4 teens accused of auto theft, burglary

Updated 10:02 pm, Saturday, November 17, 2012

TROY — Four teenage boys were arrested for auto theft and burglary on Friday, after police officers completing a training exercise spotted the teens potentially scoping their next heist.

Troy police officers were conducting domestic violence training on the RPI Campus when they noticed the four in the parking lot checking out car doors "acting in a manner conducive to thefts from autos," according to police.

Upon apprehending the suspects, officers said they quickly determined that their backpacks contained items lifted Thursday during a burglary at a Brunswick home. Police found the teens, who ranged in age from 13 to 15, were also responsible for the theft of a vehicle.

Among the allegedly lifted items recovered from the teens were a Rolex watch valued at about $7,000, $15,000-worth of jewelry and several other items, including at least one computer. Police also recovered hydrocodone, a prescription drug often used recreationally, burglary tools and a pellet gun.

All four face multiple charges, including burglary, grand larceny and possession of a controlled substance. Each has been turned over to their legal guardians and will appear at a later date in the Rensselaer County Probation Office.